Auto Expo 2008 updates: Tata, Volvo, Suzuki

NEW DELHI: The Indian automotive industry has stamped its authority on the international arena with the Auto Expo that's witnessing a bunch of global launches of new cars.

With around 2,000 participants and 1,20,000 square feet of display area, the 9th Auto Expo would be next only to the Shanghai Motor Show in terms of space occupied and is expected to host over 12 lakh visitors during January 10-17.

In terms of business, this year's expo is likely to generate double the amount from the last one. The 8th Auto Expo two years ago did a business of over Rs 10 crore.

TATA

Giving a fillip to its passenger car segment, Tata Motors on Wednesday launched new variants of multi-utility vehicle Sumo and sedan Indigo.

The new version of the MUV - Sumo Grande - has been priced between Rs 6.55 and 7.49 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). However, the company is yet to announce the price for Indigo CS.

"With the new Sumo Grande we are expecting about 30 per cent increase in the sales of the Sumo family," Tata Motors Managing Director Rajiv Dube said at the 9th Auto Expo here.

The company has been trying to bring in the contemporary aspect in styling and technology by infusing new features, he said. Currently, Tata Motors sells 2,200 -2,500 units of Sumo a month on an average.

"The vehicle will be available in the market next month," he added.

The new Indigo CS, which it dubbed as the first "sub-4 metre Sedan" of the world, would have two engine variants 1.2 litres petrol and 1.4 litres diesel.

"With the new Indigo CS, the company is looking at a substantial increase in the sales of the Indigo series," Dube said.

Volvo Car Corporation Wednesday showcased its new sedan C70 at the 9th Auto Expo and is planning to launch it in the Indian market soon.

"India is one of the very exciting luxury car markets and this is the right time for us to expand in the country. The new C70 is not yet available in India but it might find its way to the country soon," Volvo Car India MD Paul de Voijs said.

Asked when the company was planning to launch the new car in the market, Voijs said: "By showing it in the motor show we will see the response and the enthusiasm in the market and take a call accordingly."

He, however, did not give any specific timing about the launch and price in the Indian Market, but said: "If you compare the prices of C70 in other markets and add up the import duties it will be somewhere between Rs 42-44 lakh."

The Volvo C70 is the second generation convertible of C70 from the company, with a three-piece retractable hard-top that transforms the vehicle from coupe to convertible at the touch of a button.

The company, which already offers S80 as XC90, also plans to expand its dealership network across India in the current year and is targeting sales of over 500 cars.

SUZUKI

Demonstrating the importance it attaches to the Indian market, Suzuki Motor Corporation on Wednesday showcased its fifth global car 'A-star' concept, which will be manufactured only in India.

The company also showcased two other concept cars 'Splash' and 'Kazshi'.

"Our new plant in Manesar will play an important role in Suzuki Motor Co's target of selling 3 billion units globally by the financial year 2008-09. Production of A-star will begin here from October," Maruti Suzuki Ind Ltd's MD Shinzo Nakanishi said here at the 9th Auto Expo.

Production of A-star will start from October this year for the Indian market and then subsequently it would be exported overseas, he said.

Nakanishi also said Maruti will launch one new model in India every year to consolidate its market position.